75 Years of Auto Mechanics

1968 Chrysler

In 1948 the Salt Lake Area Vocational School (SLAV) opened its doors to students for the first time, offering a handful of programs, including automobile mechanics. The classrooms at SLAV were designed to simulate the industrial shops at the time in Salt Lake Valley to meet industry standards. The automobile mechanics program was designed as a two-year pre-apprentice program to meet passenger cars and small trucks' essential maintenance and repair principles.

Project cars were introduced to the auto mechanic program in 1955, providing students in the various auto mechanic areas with hands-on experience working on a car. The project car consisted of the school purchasing a car that was declared a total loss, and students worked to restore it to the car close to its original condition mechanically possible to do. The project car was discontinued at the end of the 1973-74 school year due to inflation and the increased cost of auto parts.

By the 20th anniversary of the College, under a new name of Utah Technical College at Salt Lake (UTC-SL), the program became eligible for Associates of Applied Science (AAS). This meant that those students who went through the program were no longer earning a certificate, but a substantial degree upon completion.

Dennis O'Reilly, associate professor of Auto Mechanics, mentions the extensive evolution of the auto mechanics program has gone through over the years. "I obtained my AAS degree from SLCC back in 1978. The cars and technology we had back then are completely different from the current one," says Dennis. "Our program is designed to teach our students not only mechanics but to be excellent learners, as we are in an ever-evolving industry where adapting and learning is required to stay up-to-date, because what I am teaching today may not be applicable in five to ten years from today."

Associate Professor Dennis O'Reilly With His Students

By the year 2022, the majority of the automotive courses moved to Salt Lake Technical College.

Comments

SLCC's Undergraduate Annual Research Conference Registration Deadline

Salt Lake Community College’s annual Undergraduate Projects, Performances, Presentations, and Research Conference (UP3RC) is set to take place on April 2, at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus, offering students a chance to showcase their academic achievements, fostering a culture of intellectual exchange. The UP3RC is an annual event designed to celebrate and highlight the academic accomplishments of undergraduate students. It provides a supportive environment for students to share their work, hone their presentations skills, receive constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers and faculty. All SLCC departments and programs, including faculty and staff, are encouraged to support and visit the day of the event. Students with their poster from last year's UPRC event “The goal of this event is to make sure every school and student is given the opportunity to participate,” says Dr. Kamal Bewar, interim director of the STEM Learning Center, who is chairin

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o

HB 261 and HB 257 Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students: The Utah Legislature recently passed two bills that significantly impact higher education: HB 261 Equal Opportunity Initiatives and HB 257 Sex-Based Designations for Privacy, Anti-Bullying, and Women’s Opportunities. Salt Lake Community College is deeply committed to our students, faculty, and staff. We strive to be a place where all are welcomed and respected. While there are many unknowns about the ultimate effect these bills will have on some student and staff support programs, be assured that SLCC will maintain an environment where all can find success and feel a sense of belonging. In the coming months, college leadership will work to gain clarity and determine the changes necessary for legislative compliance. We will also share this information as it becomes available. We realize that during this time, some in our college community may feel unsettled and stressed. We encourage you to make use of available SLCC resources designed to support y

Official SLCC Blog

Search This Blog